Collection Process

1. Immediately after the collection of cord blood, the clamped umbilical cord will be cut and stored in a sterile container.
2. It takes 1 minute to collect 10-12 cm of umbilical cord lining which poses no threat to mum and baby.
3. Finally, the segmented umbilical cord will be transported to our laboratory for processing.

How Is Umbilical Cord Tissue Collected?

Cord tissue, also known as Wharton’s jelly. It is a thick, gelatinous material that covers the vessels of the umbilical cord. This tissue comprises a range of crucial cell types, like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), fibroblasts, and macrophages. It can be stored and used for future therapy through cord tissue banking.

However, if you choose private cord blood banking for yourself, you should ensure that the umbilical cord tissue collection is done correctly.

What are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

MSCs are found in various tissues, like bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. They are known for their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells. Scientists are exploring them for regenerative medicine due to their potential to help repair tissue and their immune-modulating properties to treat diseases.

The Umbilical Cord Tissue Collection Process

You should know the standard process of cord tissue collection to ensure its safety and readiness for use in future circumstances.

The Stepwise Umbilical Cord Tissue Collection Process

Consent is Taken from the Mother

You will be educated about the procedure, benefits, & future benefits.

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Right After Delivery + Cord Clamping

Immediately after delivery a professional clamps the umbilical cord in two places and then cuts between the clamps. This ensures safe separation from the baby.

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 Collection of Cord Tissue

After the clamping is done; the sterile segment (15–20 cm) of the tissue is collected. Then carefully placed in a sterile container having a preservation medium to maintain its functionality.

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Documentation + Labeling

For the smooth traceability & record keeping, labeling of the sample container is done.

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Transportation to the Assigned Laboratory

The sample is sent to the processing laboratory to prevent cell deterioration.

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Processing + Quality Checks

Cord tissue is washed, processed, and tested. It undergoes a quality check for health, contamination, and sterility. It is evaluated if the healthy stem cells, like Mesenchymal Stem Cells are present or not.

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Cryopreservation & Banking

The processed tissue is cryopreserved under controlled freezing temperature (-196°C to -80°C). It is safely stored in cord tissue banks like Cryoviva Singapore for future use.

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Ownership Transfer

After the child reaches their legal age, generally 18 years, the ownership can be transferred to their name.

What consent & paperwork are required for cord tissue banking

Here is the basic requirement:

• The consent process needs to be completed at least 2 weeks before the expected delivery date.
• Mothers’ eligibility screening to ensure safety.
• The consent process can be initiated as early as the second trimester.
• The informed consent describes the purpose, procedures, risks, and potential uses of the cord tissue in a detailed manner. This ensures parents make informed decisions.
• A service agreement is also required for family or private banking services.
• Counseling sessions are generally provided by the private cord blood bank coordinators. This helps parents in their final decision-making process.
• Confidentiality of donor personal data is strictly maintained.
• Completion and submission of a maternal health questionnaire.
• The signed consent is presented to healthcare staff on the delivery day to.
• Prior discussion of the banking plan with the delivery team.
• All the standards about the quality, safety, and confidentiality are strictly followed.

Protective Properties of Stem Cells From Cord Tissue

• Help repair damaged tissues and organs.
• Help in the proper functioning of immune cells.
• Have the potential to turn into various types of cells, such as skin, bone, or cartilage.
• Help decrease unnecessary swelling and inflammation.
• They have a lower chance of causing immune rejection.

Key Notes on Cord Tissue Banking 

1. The cord tissue is taken from the baby’s umbilical cord right after birth.
2. It contains mesenchymal stem cells that can become bone, muscle, nerves, etc.
3. It helps repair tissues such as bone, cartilage, and nerves.
4. Unlike cord blood, cord tissue does not require the same person or a close family member.
5. Most therapies are still in research and the early clinical trials phase
6. It can be stored for up to 23.5 years.

To store your baby’s cord blood, you need to keep the cord blood collection kit ready in your hospital bag.